Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6
Initial Obstacles becomes Lack of Firmness
What this change means
Five lines move, every one except the fifth, and the figure that began in thunder and water becomes wind beneath heaven. When this much changes, the single still line of 44 Lack of Firmness holds the key. It says your inner worth gives you the power, for now, to change people who aren't good for you, and even your own damaging habits. The resulting hexagram as a whole warns about influences you think you can control but don't take seriously enough. The still line shows the way through: your own integrity is the force that can change them, provided you set firm limits.
From the hard beginning of 3 Initial Obstacles, this is a moment of real responsibility. Look honestly at what you've been tolerating. Watch for overconfidence about bad habits. Your worth gives you power here, but only if you use it deliberately.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 5 of 44 Lack of Firmness, which stays still
Right now, thanks to your inner worth, you're able to transform unsuitable people and even your own harmful habits.
Willow branches wrap the melon. Beauty kept within: something falls from heaven.
- The judgment of 3 Initial Obstacles
This isn't the time to act directly: look for people who can act for you, allies who represent you. Still, stay alert so you know when the time comes to take back the initiative and control.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. Having somewhere to go is of no use yet. It is favorable to install lords.
- Line 1 of 3 Initial Obstacles
It's time to let others act for you.
Hesitating, circling by the rock. Abiding in constancy is favorable. It is favorable to install lords.
- Line 2 of 3 Initial Obstacles
Obstacles are on the way, but help will come. Act with caution until you feel secure and can receive that help.
Stuck, turning in place; the horses of the team pull apart. Not a raider: someone come to ask for marriage. The young woman is constant and gives no promise; after ten years she gives it.
- Line 3 of 3 Initial Obstacles
Right now obstacles aren't solved by acting: they're solved by stepping back until conditions improve.
Chasing the deer with no gamekeeper, only going deeper into the forest. The noble person sees the sign and would rather let it go. Going on: distress.
- Line 4 of 3 Initial Obstacles
It's wise to accept help now, even if it means leaving your pride behind.
The horses of the team pull apart. Seeking marriage. Going brings good fortune. Nothing that is not favorable.
- Line 6 of 3 Initial Obstacles
Despite the obstacles, don't give up or lose heart.
The horses of the team pull apart. Weeping blood, in endless streams.
- The judgment of 44 Lack of Firmness
You're surrounded by unsuitable people or situations. You know it, but you think you have the power to control them and don't take them very seriously; it may even be a bad habit. If you don't pay attention and set firm limits, they'll take control over you and you won't be able to pull away.
The woman is strong. Do not take her as a wife.
The trigrams
The way back
44 Lack of Firmness → 3 Initial Obstacleslines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Initial Obstacles
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.